Port of Prince Rupert invests in education, with Laptops for Lax Kw'alaams students

Delivery Day for Coast Tsimshian Academy!  the Port of
Prince Rupert and Lax Kw'alaams Band have joined forces
to provide for a laptop program for Coast Tsimshian
Academy students

100 new laptop computers have been delivered to Lax Kw'alaams, part of a program to help the students of the Coast Tsimshian Academy remain connected with their teachers, classmates and anyone beyond, during this COVID pandemic period and into the future.

The funding for the laptops is the latest investment by the Port from the Community Investment Fund, with the Port partnering with the Lax Kw'alaams Band to provide the learning resources for the community.

With the provincial schools closed at the moment as a result of the pandemic, the 150 students of the Coast Tsimshian Academy like students everywhere in BC have been making use of online instruction and distance education.

Prince Rupert Port Authority President and CEO Shaun Stevenson noted how the project will set the stage for learning success in the years to come.

“During these challenging times, it is more imperative than ever that we work together to support those in need. We know this investment will help the students and staff of Coast Tsimshian Academy finish their school year with a renewed energy and set them up for learning success in the future”

The Port explained in an information release today how the need for new equipment was a key requirement well before the current COVID pandemic situation.

The need for new digital learning resources existed before social distancing measures forced the school the close its classrooms. CTA had only 47 laptops to share amongst its K-12 teaching staff and students, many of which needed to be replaced.

The COVID-19 crisis exacerbated the problem, limiting the types of lessons teachers could provide and leaving some children without the necessary tools to complete their work.

The port notes how this investment will help ensure the school’s online-learning initiatives can progress and every student is given a chance to succeed, including an enhanced ability to develop individualized learning plans.

Lax Kw'alaams Mayor Garry Reece also noted the benefits that investing in youth will bring.

“Investing in our youth and the incredible teachers that guide them is a win-win. These new laptops will give our kids the tools they need right now to stay on track with their schoolwork during the lockdown and later carry on their education and development once classes can safely resume.”

The Port of Prince Rupert and Lax Kw'alaams Band have each put $35,000 into the laptop purchase program.

You can learn more about the program here.

A video that outlines the scope of the distribution can be explored here.

For some of the past funding programs from the Port's Community Investment Fund see our archive page here.